Beginning later this week three Dubois County based law enforcement agencies will be partnering with agencies statewide in an annual Thanksgiving holiday enforcement crackdown.
Dubois County Sheriff’s deputies, troopers with the Indiana State Police Jasper post and officers with the Jasper Police Department will increase patrols as part of the the Safe Family Travel campaign that kicks off this Friday and continues through December 6th.
As part of the Safe Family Travel campaign authorities will beef up patrols focusing on seat belt violations and impaired driving during what is considered the busiest travel periods of the year.
Police from more than 250 law enforcement agencies across the hoosier state will combine their efforts working thousands of overtime hours to ensure motorists travel safely this Thanksgiving holiday season.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute says, during the same period last year there were 520 alcohol-related crashes statewide, resulting in 235 injuries and three fatalities.
Agencies across the state also recorded 276 accidents involving a driver or a passenger who was unrestrained. Those crashes where seat belts were not in use resulted in 303 injuries and 15 fatalities.
Police taking part in the Thanksgiving blitz will remind motorists and passengers about the importance of buckling up. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says proper restraint use reduces the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants of passenger cars by 45 percent.
Motorists who may witness any erratic driving are encouraged to report it to authorities by dialing 911. Callers should be prepared to give as much detailed information as possible such as the color and make of the vehicle, the license plate number, which roadway is being traveled and the direction of travel.
